Knight Parade to roll into Ybor City this weekend with focus on safety
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Knights of Sant’ Yago will have their annual Illuminated Knight Parade on 7th Avenue in Ybor City on Saturday night.
The parade, one of Tampa’s oldest and most popular, will start at 7 p.m.
The Tampa Police Department will be focused on safety, patrolling on foot, in cars, from the air and even on horseback to keep an eye out for bad behavior and crime.
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“We want everybody to have a great time illuminating Ybor City tomorrow night. However, we will not tolerate anybody bringing any type of disturbance to this parade or any event down here,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw.
In October, two people were killed and others wounded in a mass shooting on 7th Avenue. Since then, many have been concerned about coming to Ybor for late night events. Bercaw said his department has focused on making Ybor City safer and people are starting to return.
“From what I’ve seen with my own eyes, the crowds are back, the dinner hour is busier than I’ve ever seen. So, we are expecting big crowds,” said Bercaw.
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He said his officers will be keeping an eye out for problems.
“The Tampa Police Department will focus on underage drinking and DUI. This is not a wet zone, there is no open containers of alcohol, and if you are under 21 you can not drink,” said Bercaw.
The Knights of Sant’ Yago will be focused on fun, and say they have some big names participating in the event.
“We’re excited tomorrow to have Ric Flair as our Grand Marshall, and special guest Steve Wilkos and about 65 Krewes and organizations as well as upwards of 90 floats rolling down 7th Avenue, illuminated at 7 p.m. tomorrow night,” said Joe Parrino with The Knights of Sant’ Yago.
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